Poinsettia plant named `Nutcracker White`

ABSTRACT

A poinsettia plant named &#34;Nutcracker White&#34; particularly characterized by its white, multiple layered, and non-drooping bracts having a broad base and an above average number of long lasting cyathia which are held tightly together on short stalks.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar or Euphorbiapulcherrima known by the varietal name "Nutcracker White".

The new cultivar was discovered in a planned mutation program of varietyH-327 (which is the subject matter of Plant patent application Ser. No.08/257,102, now U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,177) in November of 1993 in SugarRun, Pa. During the mutation program, unrooted cuttings were subjectedto 4,000 rads of gamma rays at Penn State Brazelle Nuclear Reactor(cobalt 60, 1.25 MEV) for 21/2 minutes. The new cultivar was firstasexually reproduced by cuttings in June of 1994 in Sugar Run, Pa. andhas been repeatedly asexually reproduced by cuttings at Sugar Run, Pa.Continued observations from the vegetative cuttings have confirmed thatthe distinguishing features of this new cultivar come true, remainstable and are retained through successive propagations.

The following traits are determined to be basic characteristics of thisnew cultivar which in combination distinguish this poinsettia as new anddistinct:

1. Color is whiter, less green and yellow than commercial varieties.

2. The bracts have more layers which are spaced further apart thancommercial varieties, a broad base and is non-drooping.

3. An above average number of cyathia, which are held tightly togetheron short stalks and are long lasting.

The new cultivar differs from its parent essentially only in the bractcoloration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying photographic drawing illustrates the new cultivar, thecolor being as nearly true as possible with color illustrations of thistype.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected from asexual reproductions carried out in Sugar Run, Pa. Thecolor readings were determined under cool white light (150 F.C.) at10:00 a.m. on Dec. 14, 1994 at Connellsville, Pa. Color references areprimarily to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Societyof London.

The plant:

Branching.--Self branching.

Rooting.--Fast.

Blooming habit.--81/2 week response.

Blooming season.--Plant is saleable 6 weeks from initiation.

Height.--Up to 18" on a single stem and 10" to 12" on a pinched stem.

Foliage:

Size.--Medium -- old leaves ovate; middle leaves with dentate margin.

Quantity.--Average, up to 16 leaves per stem.

Color.--New foliage -- Upper side, Green Group 137 A. Under side, GreenGroup 138 B. Old foliage -- Upper side, Green Group 137 A. Under side,Green Group 138 B. Leaf petiole -- Yellow-Green Group 146 D.

Shape.--Ovate.

Texture.--Veins slightly pronounced; "V" shaped ripples.

Edge of margin.--Dentate, only on middle leaves.

Aspect.--Medium green in color and slightly drooped.

Veins.--Location -- Pinnate. Color -- Yellow-Green Group 147 C.

Flower:

Quantity.--Above average, 12-14 cyathia.

Number of nectaries.--Above average.

Size.--Average.

Color.--Green with bright lemon yellow cyathia.

Bracts:

Size.--Layer is 12" to 16" in diameter; individual bracts are 3" to 4"wide by 5" to 7" long.

Number of layers.--Three.

Quanity.--20 to 25 bracts.

Shape.--Ovate.

Color.--Yellow Group 8 D.

Margin.--Dentate, only on middle leaves.

Veins.--Location -- Pinnate. Color -- Yellow-Green Group 145 C.

Reproductive organs: Typical for poinsettia cultivars.

Stamens.--Number -- 20 to 30. Color -- White.

Pollen color.--Lemon Yellow.

Style color.--Yellow-Green Group 146 B.

Ovary color.--Yellow-Green Group 146 D.

Nectar cup color.--Yellow Group 13 C.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of poinsettia plant as hereinshown and described, particularly characterized by its triple form,broad base, large flower, long lasting, tightly held cyathia andnon-drooping, multi-layered white bracts.